In 1869 the first intercollegiate game was played (between teams from Rutgers and Princeton) following a modified form of the rules of soccer. Over the next decade, rugby became more influential then soccer: an oval ball was introduced in 1874, and the first set of rules for American football was drawn up at the Massasoit convention of 1876. At Yale University between 1888 and 1892, Walter Camp (the father of American football) helped to shape the current rules, introducing the eleven-man side, the line of scrimmage, the concept of “downs” and “yards” gained, and a new points-scoring system (which was later to be adjusted several times). The distinction from rugby was further accentuated in 1906 by the legalization of the forward pass.
Rules and Description
Players wear heavy padding and helmet, and passing of the ball by hand, including one forward pass per play, is permitted. The game is played on a rectangular field, divided gridiron-like into segments: the object is to score “touchdowns” by moving the ball into the opposing teams “end zone”, but progress has to be made upfield by a series of “plays”: a team must make 9.14m/10yd of ground within four plays, otherwise it loses possession of the ball. Six points are awarded for a touchdown. An extra point can be gained by kicking the ball between the posts and over the crossbar, or two points can be gained by advancing the ball (through play rather than kicking) from the two-yard line into the end zone in a “two point conversion”. A goal kicked from anywhere on the field (a field goal) is worth three points. Teams consist of more than 40 members, but only eleven are allowed on the field at any one time: separate units of players are used for attacking play, defensive play, kicking off, etc.
Players and Positions
Every NFL team has a roster of up to 53 players. Only 11 are on the field at any one time, but many are used in the course of the game-some or all of the team may be substituted in the break between plays, if there enough time. Each player has specialized role within one of three main playing units: offense, defense, and special teams. Offensive linemen, linebackers, cornerbackers, and safeties. Positions in the srecial teams include placekicker, punter, holder, long and short snapper, and puntreturner.
The Gridiron
A football field is bounded by long sidelines and short end lines, forming a rectangle that measures 120x53yd (109x49m). The 100yd (91m) between the posts are divided by yard lines that cross the field every 5yd (4.5m), and are numbered every 10yd (9m). Four rows of hash marks span the length of the field-the outer two mark 1yd (90cm) from the sidelines: the inner, or inbound, two mark the area in which players must start if the ball goes out of bounds on the previous play. The scoring area (end zone) is bounded by the goal line, the end line, and sidelines. Most fields are covered in grass, but many have an artificial surface.
Equipment and Protection
Oval ball – An official NFL football is 28cm (11in) long, has a 71cm (28in) circumference at its widest point, and weighs 425g (150z)
Head Gear – The helmet and face guard protect the players head and face from injury.
Shoulderpads – Every player suits up with foam-lined plastic shoulderpads.
Team Colours – Every player wears a jersey in the team clours. The name and number identifies the player and includes NFL and team logos.
Tight Fit – A combination of nylon and spandex allows the pants to stretch over the bulky leg padding.
Padded inserts – Players slip padded inserts under their pants to protect legs against falls and blows from other players.
Lightweight shoes – On grass, players wear shoes with hard plastic cleats, which screww into the soles, but on artificial surfaces, shoes with moulded soles are worn.
Goal posts
The goal posts are positioned on the back line of the end zone. The offense can lick a field goal (3 point) or a conversion after touchdown (1 point) between the two posts. The base is padded for the protection of the players.
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Rules and Description
Players wear heavy padding and helmet, and passing of the ball by hand, including one forward pass per play, is permitted. The game is played on a rectangular field, divided gridiron-like into segments: the object is to score “touchdowns” by moving the ball into the opposing teams “end zone”, but progress has to be made upfield by a series of “plays”: a team must make 9.14m/10yd of ground within four plays, otherwise it loses possession of the ball. Six points are awarded for a touchdown. An extra point can be gained by kicking the ball between the posts and over the crossbar, or two points can be gained by advancing the ball (through play rather than kicking) from the two-yard line into the end zone in a “two point conversion”. A goal kicked from anywhere on the field (a field goal) is worth three points. Teams consist of more than 40 members, but only eleven are allowed on the field at any one time: separate units of players are used for attacking play, defensive play, kicking off, etc.
Players and Positions
Every NFL team has a roster of up to 53 players. Only 11 are on the field at any one time, but many are used in the course of the game-some or all of the team may be substituted in the break between plays, if there enough time. Each player has specialized role within one of three main playing units: offense, defense, and special teams. Offensive linemen, linebackers, cornerbackers, and safeties. Positions in the srecial teams include placekicker, punter, holder, long and short snapper, and puntreturner.
The Gridiron
A football field is bounded by long sidelines and short end lines, forming a rectangle that measures 120x53yd (109x49m). The 100yd (91m) between the posts are divided by yard lines that cross the field every 5yd (4.5m), and are numbered every 10yd (9m). Four rows of hash marks span the length of the field-the outer two mark 1yd (90cm) from the sidelines: the inner, or inbound, two mark the area in which players must start if the ball goes out of bounds on the previous play. The scoring area (end zone) is bounded by the goal line, the end line, and sidelines. Most fields are covered in grass, but many have an artificial surface.
Equipment and Protection
Oval ball – An official NFL football is 28cm (11in) long, has a 71cm (28in) circumference at its widest point, and weighs 425g (150z)
Head Gear – The helmet and face guard protect the players head and face from injury.
Shoulderpads – Every player suits up with foam-lined plastic shoulderpads.
Team Colours – Every player wears a jersey in the team clours. The name and number identifies the player and includes NFL and team logos.
Tight Fit – A combination of nylon and spandex allows the pants to stretch over the bulky leg padding.
Padded inserts – Players slip padded inserts under their pants to protect legs against falls and blows from other players.
Lightweight shoes – On grass, players wear shoes with hard plastic cleats, which screww into the soles, but on artificial surfaces, shoes with moulded soles are worn.
Goal posts
The goal posts are positioned on the back line of the end zone. The offense can lick a field goal (3 point) or a conversion after touchdown (1 point) between the two posts. The base is padded for the protection of the players.
Sports Equipment Supplier
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